Anticipation is high for the 2021 football season as Georgia State returns 22 starters from last year's record-setting team and LendingTree Bowl champions.

Head coach Shawn Elliott's squad welcomes back all 11 starters from an offensive unit that averaged a school-record 33.3 points per game, nine starters from a GSU defense that ranked No. 7 in FBS with a program-record 35 sacks, and their placekicker and punter.

Each week leading up to the 2021 season opener on Sept. 4 vs. Army at Center Parc Stadium, GeorgiaStateSports.com will feature one of the 22 returning starters.

HARDRICK WILLIS
Defensive End, R-Senior, Jonesboro, Ga. (Mundy's Mill)

Already Georgia State's career leader in sacks, senior defensive end Hardrick Willis will look to add to that total this fall. Three-year starter and two-time All-Sun Belt performer has 12.0 career sacks, including 10.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss over the last two seasons.

Last fall, the Jonesboro, Ga., native was second on the team and third in the Sun Belt with 6.0 sacks, helping Georgia State rank No. 7 in FBS with a school- record 35 sacks. He was also a key contributor on a GSU defense that allowed averages of 3.86 yards per rush (school record) and 136.7 rushing yards per game (second-best in school history).

Willis teams with senior noseguard Dontae Wilson to give the Panthers a veteran presence on the defensive line, where every key contributor returns. 

Willis will always hold a special place in Georgia State football lore for a huge play that he made in the Panthers' iconic victory at Tennessee in 2019. That afternoon at Neyland Stadium, on the second play of the game, he caused a fumble that teammate Ed Curney recovered at the UT 23 to set up a touchdown and start the Panthers on their way to the 38-30 win, the first in school history against a Power 5 opponent.

Look for more big plays from Willis and the Panthers this fall, and get your season tickets now by visiting GeorgiaStateSports.com/TIX or calling 404-413-4160.